Online reference sources are usually made up of articles pulled out of academic dictionaries and encyclopedias. Start at the reference database page to find different library sources. Here are a couple of options to help you get started:
- Credo and Gale provide definitions of different academic subjects and concepts.
- CQ Researcher and Issues and Controversies both discuss current events, with lots of data and background information.
- Even looking at a Wikipedia article will get you a sense of the state of the subject: basic facts and current developments.
- There are other specialty reference sources that you can use, depending on your topic. Skim through the descriptions of the databases listed on that page to find the best match.